Every person in the crew was on deck to watch the new "special agent" as Dale called himself preform the first act in his efforts to track down the Avatar. At the far end of the deck was a tea pot. Dale faced it, a determined look on his face. Beside him stood Iroh holding a scroll with the names of every city and island in the Earth Kingdom.
"How do you even know he's in the Earth Kingdom?" asked Zuko.
Dale held up a finger to silence him. "The next few minutes require absolute focus and concentration. I require everyone on this ship, including yourself Prince Zuko, remain silent until the end of this exercise."
Zuko fumed silently.
"Now, captain, if you would be so kind as to hold out that bucket of rocks."
The captain stepped forward eagerly and Zuko resisted the urge to say something caustic.
"Now Iroh, I would like you to read out the names on your list one at a time. Zuko, please take note of what happens when I throw these stones.
Zuko's palms twitched with the thought of sending a fireball at his resident Avatar tracker.
Dale closed his eyes and breathed deeply, gesturing for Iroh to begin.
"Omashu."
Dale opened his eyes and threw the first rock. It missed the teapot and landed on the ground a few meters behind it.
"Kyoshi Island."
The rock glanced off the teapot but didn't break it.
Dale turned towards Zuko. "Take note of that."
"Gaoling."
The rock missed again.
"Ember Island."
Dale wound back and threw the next rock. It hit the teapot dead center, smashing it to pieces.
"Ember Isand? That's not even in the Earth Kingdom!" said Zuko.
Dale glared at Zuko. "Remember what I said about concentration and focus? We're done here for today. Captain, set a course for Ember Island."
"Nothing indicates that the Avatar will be there! That whole thing with the rock was a fluke!"
Iroh took a step towards the two of them. "I appreciate your willingness to help us with our search but I am inclined to agree with my nephew. How do you know that the teapot breaking was not a coincidence?"
"Fellas, coincidence and fate figure largely into our lives."
Dale walked off to his room leaving Zuko and Iroh standing on the deck with the rest of the crew.
"Well?" asked Zuko. "You heard him! Plot a course for Ember Island!"